Tag: Shettima

• …says they’re fulcrum of President Tinubu’s development agenda

Vice President Kashim Shettima has reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to youth empowerment, describing Nigerian youths as the fulcrum of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s development agenda and Africa’s broader integration goals.

He, therefore, called for a unified effort to bridge generational divides in Nigeria, emphasising the pivotal role the youths play in shaping Nigeria and the continent’s future.

According to a statement issued by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima spoke on Thursday during the 2024 Youth Legacy Conference at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja. 

VP Shettima who was represented by Deputy Chief of Staff to the President (Office of the Vice President), Senator Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia, said: “There is no nation that can prosper without investing in its youth. They are not just leaders of tomorrow; they are also the anchors of today. 

“President Tinubu is deeply committed to ensuring that the youth not only have a voice but are active participants in shaping our collective destiny.”  

The event’s theme, “Shaping Africa’s Future with AfCFTA and Agenda 2063,” highlighted the alignment between Nigeria’s youth-focused initiatives and Africa’s development blueprints. 

Senator Shettima noted that the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and Agenda 2063 present vast opportunities for young Nigerians to thrive as innovators, entrepreneurs, and leaders.  

“AfCFTA is not just about trade; it is about creating opportunities for our youth to connect, innovate, and lead Africa into a new era of prosperity. Agenda 2063 envisions an integrated and prosperous Africa, but it is the energy, creativity, and resilience of our youth that will transform this vision into reality,” he said. 

The Vice President commended initiatives like the Mandela Washington Fellows for their exemplary leadership and service, adding: “You have shown us what is possible when the youth are given the tools to succeed. Your work in education, healthcare, and social justice serves as an inspiration for generations to come.”  

A key highlight of the conference was the launch of the Ubuntu Trade App, a digital innovation designed to bolster Africa’s trade integration and market access for young entrepreneurs. 

Describing it as “a testament to the genius of our young minds,” Shettima lauded the app as a critical step in advancing Africa’s digital transformation.  

“This app embodies the spirit of innovation that defines our youth. From agriculture to technology, our young people have consistently demonstrated their ability to create solutions that reshape industries and connect markets. Nigeria’s youths are the ladder upon which we climb to lead in technology, agriculture, and the creative industries,” VP Shettima said.

Read Also: JUST IN: Shettima presides over NEC meeting, as Okpebholo gives opening prayer

The Vice President also emphasised the administration’s deliberate inclusion of youth in governance and critical sectors. 

He stressed: “Our engagement with the youth is not symbolic; it is a necessity. By infusing fresh ideas into seasoned experience, we create a synergy that strengthens our nation. You are not spectators; you are architects of the future. This government is your partner in progress, and together, we will shape a legacy that future generations will be proud of.”

Declaring the conference officially open, Shettima expressed confidence that the deliberations and initiatives launched would drive sustainable growth for Nigeria and Africa. 

“The future is bright because you are in it,” he added.

In his goodwill message, the United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard M. Mills, urged the association to build a network of a free trade area as a way of ideas and human connections between all the people of the African continent.

Mills, represented by the Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of the United States of America, David J. Greene, commended Vice President Shettima for his tremendous support towards the successful hosting of the event.

He said the fellowship provides leadership training, and networking opportunities for young Africans working to fast-track economic growth and prosperity to strengthen democratic institutions and to enhance peace security in communities, particularly Nigeria and across Africa.

“Over the past decades, the programme has facilitated the emergence of employment and promotion of thousands of young Africans,” the diplomat said.

Earlier, the Technical Adviser to the Vice President on Women, Youth Engagement and Impact, Hajiya Hauwa Liman, said the event is a testament to the federal government’s shared commitment to advancing Africa’s development by empowering its greatest resource—its youth.

She pointed out that the theme of this year’s conference speaks directly to the vision of a prosperous, integrated, and peaceful Africa driven by its people. 

“The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) offers a unique opportunity to redefine Africa’s economic trajectory, while Agenda 2063 provides the roadmap for the Africa we want—a continent of shared prosperity, unity, and innovation.

“Today, as we launch the Ubuntu Trade App, we mark a significant milestone in fostering intra-African trade, empowering young entrepreneurs, and creating access to markets that transcend borders.

“As we gather here, let us remember that Africa’s future rests in our hands. With over 60% of Africa’s population under the age of 25, we have a demographic advantage that, if harnessed effectively, can position our continent as a global powerhouse,” she further noted.

In her welcome address, President of the Mandela Washington Fellowship Alumni Association of Nigeria (MWFAAN), Ms Farida Yahaya, said the association has made significant strides in addressing Nigeria’s most pressing challenges.

She explained that the essence of the association lies in its commitment to the principle of “service before self,” adding that the alumni have exemplified this ideal by dedicating their time, energy, and resources to uplift their communities and nation.

She stated: “We were inspired, equipped, and empowered by the Mandela Washington Fellowship to become catalysts for positive change. Today, as we reflect on this remarkable decade, we are awed by the collective impact of our alumni.

“Our association has been more than just a network; it has been a movement. We have come together, driven by a shared passion for service and a commitment to making a difference.

“We have broken barriers, challenged the status quo, and made significant strides in addressing Nigeria’s most pressing challenges. From grassroots initiatives to national policy reforms, our impact has been far-reaching and enduring.”

The President said that the association remains steadfast in its mission to create a better Nigeria by leveraging its network, skills, and resources to drive sustainable development, foster social cohesion, and inspire the next generation of leaders.

“We must also think beyond ourselves and consider the legacy we want to leave for future generations by nurturing young talent, providing mentorship, and fostering a culture of innovation,” she said.

Also present at the event were the Minister of State for Youth Development, Mr. Ayodele Olawande; Executive Vice Chairman, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Engr. Aminu Maida, and Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier-General Yusha’u Ahmed, among others.

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to youth empowerment as the foundation of Nigeria’s development strategy and Africa’s broader integration goals.

Vice-President Kashim Shettima, gave the assurance at the 2024 Youth Legacy Conference held at the Banquet Hall of the presidential villa, Abuja on Thursday.

The event was organised by the Mandela Washington Fellowship Alumni Association of Nigeria (MWFAAN).

Shettima called for a unified effort to bridge generational divides in Nigeria, emphasising the youth’s pivotal role in shaping Nigeria and the continent’s future.

Represented by Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Sen. Ibrahim Hadejia, Shettima described the youths as the fulcrum of President Bola Tinubu’s agenda with their prominent role in driving national progress.

” There is no nation that can prosper without investing in its youth. They are not just leaders of tomorrow; they are also the anchors of today.

” President Tinubu is deeply committed to ensuring that the youth not only have a voice but are active participants in shaping our collective destiny.”

Shettima noted that the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and Agenda 2063 present vast opportunities for young Nigerians to thrive as innovators, entrepreneurs, and leaders.

“AfCFTA is not just about trade; it is about creating opportunities for our youth to connect, innovate, and lead Africa into a new era of prosperity.

” Agenda 2063 envisions an integrated and prosperous Africa, but it is the energy, creativity, and resilience of our youth that will transform this vision into reality,” he said.

He commended initiatives like the Mandela Washington Fellows for their exemplary leadership and service.

” You have shown us what is possible when the youth are given the tools to succeed. Your work in education, healthcare, and social justice serves as an inspiration for generations to come.”

The Vice-President also emphasised the administration’s deliberate inclusion of youth in governance and critical sectors.

“Our engagement with the youth is not symbolic; it is a necessity. By infusing fresh ideas into seasoned experience, we create a synergy that strengthens our nation.

” You are not spectators; you are architects of the future. This government is your partner in progress, and together, we will shape a legacy that future generations will be proud of, ” Shettima said.

Also, Richard Mills, the U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, urged the association to build a network of a free trade area as a way of ideas and human connections between all the people of the African continent.

Mills, represented by the Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of the United States of America, David Greene, commended the Vice President Shettima for his tremendous support towards successful hosting of the event.

He said that the fellowship provides leadership training, networking opportunities for young Africans working to fast track economic growth and prosperity.

He added that the fellowship strengthen democratic institutions and enhance peace security in communities particularly Nigeria and across Africa.

” Over the past decades, the programme has facilitated the emergence of employment and promotion of thousands of young Africans,” the diplomat said.

Hajiya, Hauwa Liman, the Technical Adviser to the Vice-President on Women, Youth Engagement and Impact, said the event was a testament to the federal government’s shared commitment to advancing Africa’s development by empowering its greatest resource—its youth.

She said that the the theme of this year’s conference, “Shaping Africa’s Future with AfCFTA and Agenda 2063,” speaks directly to the vision of a prosperous, integrated, and peaceful Africa driven by its people.

” The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) offers a unique opportunity to redefine Africa’s economic trajectory, while Agenda 2063 provides the roadmap for the Africa we want—a continent of shared prosperity, unity, and innovation.

” Today, as we launch the Ubuntu Trade App, we mark a significant milestone in fostering intra-African trade, empowering young entrepreneurs, and creating access to markets that transcend borders.”

” As we gather here, let us remember that Africa’s future rests in our hands. With over 60 per cent of Africa’s population under the age of 25, we have a demographic advantage that, if harnessed effectively, can position our continent as a global powerhouse.”

The President, Mandela Washington Fellowship Alumni Association of Nigeria (MWFAAN), Ms Farida Yahaya, said the association made a significant strides in addressing Nigeria’s most pressing challenges.

She said that the essence of the association lies in its commitment to the principle of “service before self.”

She added that the alumni had exemplified this ideal by dedicating their time, energy, and resources to uplift their communities and nation.”

” We were inspired, equipped, and empowered by the Mandela Washington Fellowship to become catalysts for positive change.

” Today, as we reflect on this remarkable decade, we are awed by the collective impact of our alumni.

” Our association has been more than just a network; it has been a movement. We have come together, driven by a shared passion for service and a commitment to making a difference.

” We have broken barriers, challenged the status quo, and made significant strides in addressing Nigeria’s most pressing challenges.

Read Also: JUST IN: Shettima presides over NEC meeting, as Okpebholo gives opening prayer

” From grassroots initiatives to national policy reforms, our impact has been far-reaching and enduring.”

Yahaya said that the association remain steadfast in its mission to create a better Nigeria by leveraging its network, skills, and resources to drive sustainable development, foster social cohesion, and inspire the next generation of leaders.

” We must also think beyond ourselves and consider the legacy we want to leave for future generations by nurturing young talent, providing mentorship, and fostering a culture of innovation,” she said.

Also present at the event were the Minister of State for Youth Development, Mr Ayodele Olawande, the Executive Vice Chairman, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Aminu Maida, Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brig.-Gen. Yusha’u Ahmed, among others.

(NAN)

• VP launches Grand Challenges Nigeria to revolutionise healthcare

Vice President Kashim Shettima yesterday called for the participation of Nigeria’s best minds in making the country a brighter star on the global stage.

The VP said Nigeria cannot afford to be complacent in the face of high-pace development of science and technology in other nations across the world.

He said: “Our gateway to innovation is rooted in recognising our place within the global community.

“We must believe that our progress is intertwined with the progress of the rest of the world.”

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Shettima said this while launching Grand Challenges Nigeria (GCNg), a national innovation programme aimed at transforming Nigeria’s healthcare landscape through locally-developed solutions, at the Presidential Villa yesterday in Abuja.

The initiative, which is part of the global Grand Challenges network, will focus on maternal and child health challenges in its first phase.

The Vice President explained that the initiative became necessary in the face of the rapid pace at which the world “is evolving in the realms of science and technology”.

He stressed the importance of contextualising solutions to national challenges, citing this as “a cardinal message” of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

Shettima said the initiative would promote groundbreaking research and build local expertise, among others.

In a statement by his spokesman, Stanley Nkwocha, he said: “This initiative is more than a response to problems; it is an avenue to promote groundbreaking research, build local expertise, form strategic partnerships, and engage communities in co-creating culturally relevant solutions.”

Shettima explained that the programme would also integrate existing government healthcare initiatives, including the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII) and the Nutrition 774 programme.

“What Grand Challenges Nigeria promises is transformative: a Nigeria where every child has access to proper nutrition, where every family can rely on the quality of our healthcare system, and where our public health matrix continues to improve year after year,” he said.

The Vice President also announced an immediate call for proposals on: “Advancing Innovative Solutions for Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health, while explaining that the initiative will address various challenges, from infectious diseases to food security and climate resilience.”

He added: “Our gateway to innovation is rooted in recognising our place within the global community… We must believe that our progress is intertwined with the progress of the rest of the world.”

According to him, the Tinubu administration is “steadfast in its resolve to provide the support needed to turn our aspirations into lifelines for our people”.

The Vice President expressed anticipation for witnessing the ingenuity of Nigeria’s best minds “whose innovations will receive the funding and support they deserve through this initiative”.

Innovation, Science and Technology Minister Uche Nnaji said the Grand Challenges Nigeria is aimed at developing local solutions to critical issues confronting the nation.

The minister noted that the model aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Eight-Point Agenda by using innovation to drive prosperity and growth.

He said in the process, the government would empower researchers and innovators.

Nnaji said the ministry remained committed to fostering growth, using innovation, assuring that the Grand Challenges Nigeria would prioritise key goals investment in education and environmentally sustainable projects, among others.

Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Nutrition and Food Security, Chike Okafor, lauded the commitment of the Vice President and the dedication of the Federal Government to the launch of the initiative.

The lawmaker noted that the programme would complement existing efforts at addressing food insecurity and malnutrition in Nigeria.

He pledged the support of the House of Representatives for the Grand Challenges Nigeria framework, especially in impacting food security and nutrition across the country.

Okafor said he looked forward to a rewarding collaboration with stakeholders to deliver on its vision.

The Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT) of Nutrition Society of Nigeria and Emir of Kano, His Highness Muhammad Sanusi II said the responsibility of addressing malnutrition and food insecurity required focused efforts and collective actions.

These, he said, the Grand Challenges Nigeria initiative was designed to contain and address.

The Emir expressed stressed that by adopting the framework of the Grand Challenges Nigeria, citizens would be at the forefront of finding solutions to problems in the country, thanking the Federal Government for believing in the efficacy of the initiative.

Also, the President of the Nutrition Society of Nigeria, Prof. Salisu Abubakar, lauded the leadership demonstrated by the Vice President in the launch of the initiative.

He said it would help in addressing health challenges by leveraging locally resourced and researched solutions/approaches.

The Special Assistant to the President on Public Health, Uju Rochas-Anwulah, said the launch of the Grand Challenges Nigeria reflected the commitment of President Tinubu’s administration to reforming the economy and ensuring food security by leveraging homegrown solutions that are rooted in the values of communities across the country.

Vice President Kashim Shettima has launched Grand Challenges Nigeria (GCNg), a national innovation programme aimed at transforming Nigeria’s healthcare landscape through locally developed solutions.

The initiative, which is part of the global Grand Challenges network, will focus on maternal and child health challenges in the first phase.

Speaking on Monday when he launched the GCNg at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Vice President Shettima told the audience that the initiative became necessary following an urgency occasioned by the rapid pace at which the world “is evolving in the realms of science and technology.”

He stressed the importance of contextualizing solutions to national challenges, citing this as “a cardinal message” of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, just as he said the initiative will promote groundbreaking research and build local expertise, among others.

In a statement issued by his spokesman, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima said: “This initiative is more than a response to problems; it is an avenue to promote groundbreaking research, build local expertise, form strategic partnerships, and engage communities in co-creating culturally relevant solutions,” VP Shettima said.

He explained that the programme will integrate with existing government healthcare initiatives, including the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII) and the Nutrition 774 programme.

“What Grand Challenges Nigeria promises is transformative: a Nigeria where every child has access to proper nutrition, where every family can rely on the quality of our healthcare system, and where our public health metrics continue to improve year after year,” the VP noted.

The Vice President also announced an immediate call for proposals on “Advancing Innovative Solutions for Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health, while explaining that the initiative will address various challenges, from infectious diseases to food security and climate resilience.

“Our gateway to innovation is rooted in recognising our place within the global community,” he stated, adding that “we must believe that our progress is intertwined with the progress of the rest of the world.”

VP Shettima emphasised that the Tinubu administration is “steadfast in its resolve to provide the support needed to turn our aspirations into lifelines for our people.”

The Vice President expressed anticipation for witnessing the ingenuity of Nigeria’s best minds, “whose innovations will receive the funding and support they deserve through this initiative.”

In his keynote remarks, Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, said the Grand Challenges Nigeria is aimed at developing local solutions to critical issues confronting Nigerians.

The Minister noted that the model aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 8-point agenda using innovation to drive prosperity and growth, and in the process, empowering researchers and innovators.

Chief Nnaji said the ministry remains committed to fostering growth, using innovation, even as he assured that the Grand Challenges Nigeria will prioritise key goals investment in education and environmentally sustainable projects, among others.

On his part, the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Nutrition and Food Security, Hon. Chike Okafor, commended the commitment of the Vice President and the dedication of the Federal Government to the launch of the initiative, noting that the programme would go a long way in complementing existing efforts in addressing food insecurity and malnutrition in Nigeria.

He pledged the support of the House of Representatives for the Grand Challenges Nigeria framework, especially as it impacts food security and nutrition across the country, noting that he was looking forward to a rewarding collaboration with stakeholders to deliver on its vision.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Nutrition Society of Nigeria, His Highness, Muhammad Sanusi II, said the responsibility of addressing the issues of malnutrition and food insecurity requires focused efforts and collective actions, which, according to him, the Grand Challenges Nigeria initiative is designed to contain.

He expressed hope that by adopting the framework of the Grand Challenges Nigeria, Nigerians would be at the forefront of finding solutions to problems in the country, thanking the Federal Government for believing in the efficacy of the initiative.

The chairman commended the leadership of the Vice President as chairman of the Nutrition Council of Nigeria and a key promoter of advancing nutrition and related agenda across the country.

In the same vein, the President of the Nutrition Society of Nigeria, Prof. Salisu Abubakar, commended the leadership demonstrated by the Vice President in the launch of the initiative, noting that it would help address health challenges by leveraging locally resourced and researched solutions/approaches.

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He pledged the support of the society in ensuring that solutions adopted through the programme are inclusive and adaptable to Nigerians, especially in improving their health and wellbeing.

On her part, the Special Assistant to the President on Public Health, Uju Rochas-Anwulah, said the launch of the Grand Challenges Nigeria reflects the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to reforming the economy and ensuring food security by leveraging solutions that are homegrown and rooted in the values of communities across the country.

She noted that resources and the framework for solving local problems would be harnessed from the grassroots, adopting an inclusive approach where the expertise and experience of stakeholders at all levels would be taken into cognizance.

Vice President Kashim Shettima yesterday urged the people of Ondo State to vote for Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and his deputy, Dr. Olayide Adelami, on Saturday governorship election. He said the state has a brighter future under Aiyedatiwa.

Shettima urged the electorate to ensure their votes collectively become their voice, conviction and message to those underestimating the strength and will of the state.

He gave the charge while addressing the crowd that thronged the MKO Abiola Democracy Park, Akure, for the grand finale of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship campaign.

The rally temporarily shutdown Akure.

There was heavy vehicular traffic along the busy Oba Adesida- Oyemekun road and the adjoining streets.

Supporters of the party thronged the venue of the rally.

Vice President Shettima led a high-powered delegation to the state. Those on his entourage included Ogun Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun (Ogun State), Biodun Oyebaniji (Ekiti), Abdulrahman Abdulrasak (Kwara) and Hope Uzodima (Imo).

Also, former Governor of Edo State, Adams Oshiomhole, Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, Minister of Regional Development, Abubakar Audu; Interior, Olubumi Tunji-Ojo; Minister of Youth, Ayo Olawande; Minister of Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola, Chairman Senate Committee on Appropriations, Solomon Olamilekan, Comrade Philip Shuaibu, Ovie Omo-Agege, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, Chief Olusola Oke, Wale Akinterinwa amongst others were there.

Shettima said the party would win in the 18 local government areas.

He urged the electorate to reciprocate the good gesture of President Bola Tinubu, who approving established a teaching hospital and appointed two ministers from the state.

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“This is the democracy we believe in. The democracy that triumphs propaganda, that triumph bitterness, that triumph lies, that triumph hate, that triumph violence.

“Your vote will be your voice, your convictions, your message to those who underestimate the strength and will of the people of Ondo State.

“I’m bringing you glad tidings from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He ought to have been here but the exigencies of the office compelled him to ask the high-level delegation to come and represent him in the Sunshine state.

“And I want to echo the sentiment earlier expressed by the Senate Majority Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele. Leaders of Ondo, if Adekunle Ajasin is to be alive, is he going to vote for APC or for the reactionary elements?

“If my friend, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, is to be alive, is he going to vote for the APC or for the reactionary party?

“My friend, Rahman Mimiko, is he going to vote for the APC or for the reactionary party? Baba Reuben Fasoranti, is he going to vote for the APC or for the reactionary party? If the late Adebayo Adefarati were to be alive, would he vote for APC or the reactionary elements?

“So, I urge you, cast your vote for APC. Your vote is your voice. On Saturday, I urge you to come out en masse. The President has good tidings for the people of Ondo State, the people of the Southwest and the people of Nigeria.

“Just last week, he approved the establishment of a university teaching hospital here in Akure. The President deserves double kudos for his empathy.

“Ondo State has two senior ministers. The Minister of Interior is from Ondo and the Minister for Youth Development is from Ondo. To whom much is given, much is equally expected.

“You are a progressive state of progressive. Come out and vote for the progressive candidate. Come out en masse. We are winning all the 18 local government areas.”State Chairman of the Ondo APC, Engr. Ade Adetimehin, said the party was in unity ahead of the election.

Aiyedatiwa said he would deliver more dividends of democracy if elected.

He said former Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu declared him a successor.

“He told the whole world on the day of our inauguration that I will be the one to succeed him. If he is alive today, he will be here sitting backing up to ensure that Ondo remains an APC state. You know what we have been able to do in the office. By the time we return in February, we will do more than what we have been able to do now. “

National Chairmen of the party, Abdullahi Ganduje, urged the electorates to vote for continuity and ensure political uniformity in the southwest zone.